Following Legia Warsaw fans' charges for disrupting the...

Foles his injuries.lowing Legia Warsaw fans’ charges for disrupting the Aston Villa match, a West Mercia officer describ

Following Legia Warsaw fans’ charges for disrupting the Aston Villa match, a West Mercia officer describes his

injuries.

Speaking up about his experience being hit by a flare during a significant public disturbance outside a European

championship football match, a West Mercia Police officer described how he was instantly engulfed in flames.

Computer Andy Forbes, who was attacked during an incident close to Aston Villa’s football pitch, said he was

“eternally grateful” not to have suffered any permanent damage.

Several West Mercia officers, including Andy, supported their West Midlands counterparts during an Aston Villa

vs Legia Warsaw match in November.

He said that he was struck by a traffic sign while removing rocks, bottles, and other rubbish from the area where

the cops were stationed.

Andy, with experience of 18 years of public order policing, said it was one of the most violent situations he had

policed.

He spent the night on the burns unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where he was treated for minor

burns, and smoke and heat inhalation.

“It’s nothing lasting, for which I’m eternally grateful for,” he said. “It could have been very different.”

Following the incident, which was the result of around 1,000 away supporters not being given a ticket for the

game, 46 Polish fans were arrested according to reports from West Midlands Police.

Recently, criminal charges were dropped against 39 of those arrested while seven defendants will face criminal

charges.

In total, five police officers and police dogs and horses were hurt in the clashes.

Three men charged with violent disorder, one charged with a public order offence, and one charged with

possession of Class A drugs were due to appear on Friday, January 5 at Birmingham Crown Court.

Another man is due to appear at the same court on 16 January while a defendant is facing proceedings charged

with assaulting an emergency worker.

No home fans were arrested and there were no issues from Aston Villa supporters at any point, said West

Midlands Police.